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Hunter Valley Wines

Consistently excellent wines define the exceptional heritage and exciting innovation in the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. The sensory delights are outstanding, from the distinguished Hunter Valley Semillon and the classic Hunter Valley Shiraz to emerging European grape varieties.

Vines were first planted in the Hunter Valley in the early 1820s. The early wine pioneers – Tyrrell’s, Wyndham, Lindeman, Drayton and Tulloch - established family-owned wineries that still operate today. Over the years the pioneers’ success inspired a youthful breed of vignerons to the valley.

Traditional or contemporary, the winemakers win accolades internationally for wines made with the classic valley grapes of semillon, shiraz and chardonnay, and exciting new wines from alternative varieties. Fiano, barbera, tempranillo and touriga nacional are just four of the emerging varieties.

The Hunter Valley has forged an international reputation for producing outstanding wines. The most recognised of these is the Hunter Valley Semillon. Tyrrell’s Vineyards makes the iconic Vat 1 Hunter Semillon, first made in 1963. This beautifully made wine embodies the values of patient bottle aging.

When young the Hunter Valley Semillon is deliciously crisp with abundant citrus aromas and with age develops depth and richness with vanilla and honey flavours. For the Hunter Valley Shiraz, it is soft and earthy when young and develops complexity over time, with a long and generous finish.

One of the great pleasures is tasting the semillon, shiraz and other varieties, as well as the exciting new blends, at the various cellar doors among the rolling vineyards. In addition to the world-famous wineries, you can explore a fine range of boutique, organic and biodynamic vineyards and wineries.

Only two hours’ drive north of Sydney, you’ll find more cellar doors to choose from than anywhere else in Australia. Complementing the wine tasting is the delicious food scene, from award-winning vineyard restaurants to fresh local produce and a tasty events calendar of festivals and markets.